Meet Jillian Schwab: McClure Textile Fellow

The Art Museum is so excited to introduce Jillian Schwab, the inaugural McClure Textile Fellow. The Fellowship was made possible by the Jerry W. and Frances McClure Fund for Preservation of the Textile Collection.

Upon learning of being named the McClure Textile Fellow for 2022-23, Jillian expressed her sincere gratitude for the opportunity. “I am just thrilled,” she said. Majoring in anthropology and minoring in both fashion and museums and society, Jillian will graduate with a unique experiential learning opportunity under her belt.

During Fall semester, Jillian conducted inventories of the garment boxes, documenting states of condition, taking photographs and updating database and hardcopy object files. During spring semester 2023, she will continue this work, moving to the Art Museum Textile Loft’s metal cabinets before preparing a summary report of recommendations for prioritizing stewardship activities in the preservation of the textile holdings.

On December 2, Jillian met the fellowship’s benefactor, Frances McClure, and learned more about Frances’ long service to the University in the Walter Havighurst Special Collections, her love for weaving, and her numerous areas of interest, especially in regards to social justice issues. Frances’ late husband, Jerry McClure, was a professor in the Department of Botany at Miami University, and had shared interests in research on textiles. Frances also spoke with Jillian about a 2016 donation of a woman’s dress and headscarf collected while spending time in Ethiopia. Shortly thereafter, Jillian got up close and personal with the garment, remarking about the beautiful, handwoven decorative bands, wider above the hemline of the skirt but also included in the gorgeous wrap on this simple yet extraordinarily elegant dress.

Jillian wants to continue her studies in the world of museums, fashion and textiles. She is planning to go to graduate school to do just that, and the McClure Fellowship has helped not only to fill her toolbox in this regard, but has also fueled her passion for future learning.

WRITTEN BY JASON E. SHAIMAN, CURATOR OF EXHIBITIONS

The figure has been represented in the ceramic arts for thousands of years. Most common depictions of the figure offer an understanding of how the artist reflects on gender, societal roles and status, politics and religion. Increasingly, and featured in Current Forms, ceramic works are exploring topics of the self through introspective renderings or those about the outside or external world. Artists are delving deep into psychological and sociological understandings of the individual and the collective.

Current Forms is co-curated with Kourtney Stone, an Assistant Professor at the Harrisburg Area Community College in Pennsylvania, and Richard W. James, Assistant Professor of Art at Miami University. The exhibition originated out of a 2021 conversation Richard James had with Curator of Exhibitions, Jason E. Shaiman, while working on the Spring 2022 ceramics exhibition, From the Ground Up. James recommended creating an exhibition in association with the March 16-20, 2023 NCECA (National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts) conference in Cincinnati, OH. Referencing the conference theme of ”Current,” James suggested centering the exhibition around figurative ceramics to showcase the strength and history of the art form in connection with Ohio artists. A special event is being organized to welcome NCECA conference attendees to Miami University to see this exhibition, as well as a second exhibition of ceramics by MU alumni on display at the Department of Art’s Hiestand Galleries.

Stone and James, both figurative ceramists, recommended each of the invited artists based on prior engagements and recognition of work. Artists were invited to submit up to 2 works produced within the past 3 years. After receiving submissions from 15 artists, Current Forms will feature 25 works, including two by James. The exhibition will be on display in the Art Museum’s first two galleries. All of the 15 artists have connections with Ohio, either as working artists, students, or faculty at Ohio-based universities. Works range in scale, with some approximately life-size, and will be either wall-mounted or displayed on pedestals in-the-round.

To support the development of the exhibition and associated programming, staff of the Richard and Carole Cocks Art Museum submitted an ArtSTART grant proposal to the Ohio Arts Council (OAC), and was generously awarded $3,041. The awarded funds for the exhibition will go largely towards associated programming. Such opportunities will include guest speakers, and hands-on experiential learning opportunities for local children and the Oxford Senior Center. Programming will be presented in collaboration with the Art Museum’s education intern.

SUPPORT FOR THIS EXHIBITION AND PROGRAMMING PROVIDED BY: Art Museum Members Association

Douglass And Mckie Galleries Exhibition

JAN 24-JUN 10, 2023